A PUB is taking centre stage at the heart of its rural community by offering new creative, social and wellbeing opportunities for local people.

Publicans Rhiannon Metters and Jason James of The Halfway, at Tal-y-Coed midway between Monmouth and Abergavenny, have made it their mission to help tackle rural isolation and provide meaningful support for residents who often live and work alone.

After Rhiannon Metters and Jason James took over the 17th-century coaching inn in March 2022, they faced ongoing rural viability threats, including devastating broadband and landline infrastructure failures that prevented card payments and bookings. To secure its survival, the publicans completely diversified its operations into a vital community hub.

This country pub has already created a community marquee and village store, which supports other local businesses, with help from Pub is The Hub, the not‑for‑profit organisation that helps pubs diversify and offer essential local services and activities.

With further expert guidance and access to a grant from Pub is The Hub, supported by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the marquee has now been fully transformed it into an all‑year‑round space for the whole community.

The project has been supported by BIST, as part of its Hospitality Support Fund, which aims to strengthen rural and remote communities by helping pubs diversify and remain sustainable community assets

The Halfway, through its Pubtopia initiative, is expanding use of the upgraded marquee to host a wide range of creative and wellbeing activities. These will include dementia‑friendly sessions, crafting workshops such as animal‑felt making, ceramics and glassmaking, all designed to improve social connection, reduce rural isolation and promote wellbeing.

Rhiannon Metters said: “It’s a community ecosystem — powered by good food, good people and a big-hearted vision for the future. Profits, space and energy are reinvested into people — supporting skills, creativity, connection and sustainability in a rural area where such opportunities are often limited.”

She added: “The Halfway is rooted in community, championing local producers, hosting live music and events, and offering a relaxed, inclusive space where people genuinely feel they belong.”

Pub is The Hub regional advisor Roger Belle added: “These publicans have brought the idea of a community pub to a new level, providing support not just for people living locally but also supporting skills and wellbeing.

“This all-season marquee is proving to be a lifeline for those living in this isolated rural area offering everything from crafting classes, to hosting dementia groups and working as a community space.”

Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said: “Rural pubs like The Halfway are vital to their communities. Whether it’s by creating jobs or providing residents, like those in Tal-y-Coed, with a place to come together, socialise, and beat isolation.

“This is exactly why we are working to secure the future of rural pubs with our Hospitality Support Fund, the Budget’s £4.3 billion support package and by cutting red tape.”

The Halfway was built as a 17th-century coaching inn positioned halfway along the old road between the historic market towns of Abergavenny and Monmouth.